The Stick is meant to be used as a self-massage tool. However, it can be used by one person on another. Many practitioners use The Stick in their treatments on clients and patients. Here are a couple of videos posted by 70′sBig.com . The guys in the video are using the Stiff Stick.
Here is an article posted on Telegraph.co.uk. The title is:
The Stick
Perfect for runners who complain about their aches and pains
£31.99, from www.the-stick.co.uk and branches of Runners Need (020 7278 9486, runnersneed.co.uk)
One of the nicest things about taking part in the Great South Run earlier this year was the post-race massage. An army of physios were on hand to rub away the aches, which really did help. Alas, attempts at persuading my partner to massage the knots away are not always successful. And splashing out on a sports massage is a bit of an extravagance. So this Christmas, I’m hoping for a new piece of kit called the Stick, so I can do the job myself.
Shaped like a magic wand, the flexible rod is made up of spindles that roll independently of each other. The idea is to hold it at either end and roll it up and down the core muscles of the legs.
It can be used before exercise to loosen muscles or as a recovery tool afterwards. Flexing the stick around the leg ensures that pressure is applied evenly across the spindles, so they work like the kneading fingers of an expert masseur. And it achieves the same result – restoring life to damaged muscle tissue. This isn’t something I’d normally buy myself – which makes it the ideal gift. And as staying injury-free is a constant battle, the Stick could be a very useful weapon in my armoury.
Tarquin Cooper
Click here to see the whole article
You may also wan to check out the blog post – The Gift That Keeps on Roll’n!
By Daisy Sutherland
Do you suffer from sleepless nights? You are not alone sleep disorders are very common. Most people do not realize that massage can in fact help improve your sleep. Massage therapy is a known method to reduce stress and tension, but can it actually help with your sleep disorders? Research shows that massage therapy can remedy your sleepless nights.
Our bodies have an autonomic system that is made of two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic system. The parasympathetic system keeps the sympathetic system balanced. When you are stressed the sympathetic system is triggered and you will feel the sensation of fight or flight. The parasympathetic system is activated during a massage and allows your body to slow down and relax. If stress or tension are causes for your sleeplessness you will be relieved to know that one of the benefits of massage enhanced sleep patterns. Many actually fall asleep while having a professional massage.
Massage helps to reduce stress, improve circulation, soothe aching muscles, release tension and reduce or lower your blood pressure. It is thought that it can also stimulate the immune system. These relaxing results may therefore make massage a helpful aid in restoring restful sleep. Massage is even more beneficial when restless nights stem from stress, migraine headaches, and pain and muscle stiffness. Several studies have shown massage therapy to not only lessen lower back pain and headaches, but also by reducing the stress, anxiety and depression making restful sleep achievable. (Hernandez-Reif et al, 2001; Sunshine et al, 1996; Field et al, 2002; Hernandez-Reif et al, 1998)
Sleep is required for the immune system to work at its optimum level. If the immune system is compromised, the ability of our body to heal itself is also compromised. If we are stressed or sleep deprived, our health is seriously compromised. Massage can help relieve the stress and tension. Massage does not necessarily need to be done by a professional to capture all its benefits. You can ask your friend, partner, spouse or family member for a soothing rubdown. You can also give yourself a mini massage, concentrating on the muscle groups you can reach.
Relaxation techniques, such as massage therapy can definitely reduce stresses, and frustrations leading to the tossing and turning and anxiety of sleepless nights. Therapeutic massage can have not only external physical benefits but internal benefits as well. Massage and aromatherapy can relax your muscles and help with blood and lymph circulation. A massage can help reduce the nerve irritation and can help with increased production of pain-killing endorphins. There are many sweet smelling balms and massage oils on the market used to relieve stress. The aroma and the feel of the oils offer a calming and relaxing environment.
There are different types of therapeutic massage techniques that can help and some are listed below.
Reflexology: This type of massage focuses on specific ‘reflex zones’ on your feet. This type of massage relieves tension and pain and improves circulation in the areas of your body that corresponds to the reflex zones of the feet.
Sports Massage: This type of massage improves athletic performance and endurance by massaging specific muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Neuromuscular Massage: This massage type focuses on the connective tissues, tendons and ligaments and nerves. This particular massage focuses on the tension areas called ‘trigger points’.
Swedish Massage: This massage has a smooth and flowing style. It focuses on overall relaxation, circulation, and range of motion and relieves muscular tension.
Rolfing: This massage is not as relaxing it tends to be more painful. IT is painful because it focuses on the deeper soft tissues of the joints.
Some areas to concentrate on when massaging to promote relaxation and restful sleep are the temples of the head. The motion should be small circular movement done with fingers and hands. Another areas to promote relaxation are the scalp, forehead, face, neck and upper shoulders. Much of our stress is carried in the shoulder area, so relaxing and massaging this area will definitely create relief.
There are many reasons that massage and sleep make a perfect match:
After a relaxing massage, sleep will be restored as a time of rest instead as a time of restlessness. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and help with the release and filtration of toxins. You will feel more relaxed with reduced stress and tension and be able to sleep all night long. You will wake up refreshed and ready to start a new day.
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Dr. Mommy (aka Dr. Daisy) is a Doctor of Chiropractic by profession, wife, mom to 5 beautiful children, freelance and content writer, speaker and Health/Wellness Advocate. Her passion is to teach the public how to live healthier and happier lives. Visit her site for health tips: Dr. Mommy Health Tips http://drmommyhealthtips.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Daisy_Sutherland |
Tip: The Stick is an excellent tool for self-massage. Try rolling out before you go to bed!
I agree with everything Paul James wrote on his blog about training tips. Here is a quick synopsis of what he wrote:
Here are his top tips and experiences:
1. Get a plan and stick to it - Plan your training.
2. Running efficiency/ technique - Chi running video.
3. Higher stride rate/ cadence - Chi running video.
4. One intense workout per week - A 45min run at a faster pace than the other runs
5. Cross training - Add a tramp (hiking), spin class, bike some hills, or go for a swim a few times a week.
6. Stretching key muscle groups - hamstrings, calf, gluts, and hip flexors almost daily
7. Good posture - Chi running video.
8. Rest is important - You need a break so take a break.
9. Training plans are just a guide - Train to your limits and listen to what your body is telling you.
10. Nutrition - It’s not rocket science and is simple to understand.
11. Sports massage - Flushing muscle waste helps recovery and growth.
12. Tapering - Enjoy the taper- it is the time where you can relax and mend.
13. Walking is ok 
- Things might get a bit much…..so walk for a bit.
As you can see, there are some good tips here while training. His full article can be seen here. James has also posted videos to go along with his explanations.
What I like most about his tips is they are all easy to follow and no hocus pocus. I also love the fact the he includes massage into his training regime. ”Flushing muscle waste helps recovery and growth. A good deep tissue massage also acts like the ultimate stretch and gets to parts that solo stretching can’t get to. If it was not for trigger point and deep tissue massages I would not have overcome my ITB syndrome and then onto completing my training. I can’t recommend a good sports massage enough! Just remember that once you start you won’t be able to stop…it’s that good!”
The Stick is an excellent tool to manage ITB Syndrome as well as offering a deep massage. The Stick is also awesome for flushing muscle waste!
Original Body Stick
Here are some more comments I found on a Runner’s World forum about The Stick.
The summary of the main question was: What do you use for sore muscles! The Stick? Active-Response-Therapy(self-massage)or do you get regular massages?
“Own and use the Stick often. Have gotten about 5 massages in my lifetime but still a little weirded out about it. Massage does work! ”
“All of the above! I’ve been getting ART (active release technique) done since February, try to get a sports massage once per month (my masseuse is also a runner) and have the stick.”
”I used The Stick for the first time in a year yesterday! Plus a little self massage. It definitely helped my soreness. I get maybe 1-2 massages per year. I’d get more if it were in the budget. It seems I’ve finally kicked my piriformis issue and with my ankle feeling better I may be able to avoid the chiropractor for ART.”
“I use the stick, foam roll, massage… you name it. It blows my mind that I get injured when I’m so diligent about stretching and foam rolling after runs.”
“I use the foam roller 6-7 days a week and the Stick on occasion. I have went to my sports massage therapist around 8 times in the past 6 months for trigger point therapy. If it wasn’t $85/hour I would see her every other week because my legs feel GREAT walking out of the place.”
“ I have and use the Stick, foam roller, frozen water bottles for ice massage, a couple ART sessions. PT is just down the hall from me so I sneak in there when I need to and have them work on me if needed with ultrasound, ice massage, manipulation.”
“For sore muscles I do NSAIDS every once in a while after a tough run. I have the stick and a foam roller, but haven’t used them since the hammie started quieting down. Can’t justify massage while I’m unemployed.”
“I love massages but don’t get them often enough.”
“foam roller, the stick, stretching, pt exercises. I’ve done sport massage in the past which is very helpful, though painful at the time. ”
“ I use the stick and a tennis ball. I love getting massages but I do feel a little weird about someone else working for my relaxation.”
“What don’t I do?! use the stick regularly- on running and non-running days; foam roll daily; PT (deep tissue massage and then some) once a week; tennis ball self-massage daily; BF has learned how to give deep tissue massage/do myofascial release and lately that’s 1-3x/week. Ice, TENS machine, stretching/yoga are regulars also. Used to get ART but haven’t done that since July. Wish I could get regular massages but $$ limits that.”
“I stick myself on a regular basis…when I ran on a regular basis. oh, and ice baths for hard runs or LR’s 15+, definitely.”
Summary: The Stick is very popular with runners!!
Here is an awesome and funny article written by Cathy on her blog fourwhite feet. She uses very creative words for massage devices!!
Cathy and her dogs!
Massage Gizmos
Of all the massage gizmos in my possession, more than I wish to enumerate here, there are two (maybe three) I would buy again.
First is the Theracane. I got one just before Tejas 500 and I think it contributed to my finishing in good shape. I usually get neck and shoulder pain after a few hours of riding. At other races Jen has leaned an elbow into my trapezius (trapezii ?) periodically. At Tejas I left the Theracane hanging near my food table. Between laps I’d grab it, inflict a few seconds of torture to my neck, traps, and rhomboids, and return to riding with significant relief.
(Another note on this subject: I noticed after about 30 hours of riding that I got a lot of neck/shoulder relief by moving my arms way back on my aero bars, so my wrists were practically resting on the pads. In other words, I was too stretched out on my bike. Not saying this is always the case, but you might try moving closer or farther away if you’re having neck/shoulder pain.)
So why did I wait so long to get a Theracane? I’ve known about them for years. Well, I have a stick; like go in the forest and pick up a stick, that approximates the same functionality so I didn’t think I needed one. I can say now, that besides being more portable, the Theracane is capable of more precision and generally works better than a stick.
Speaking of sticks, the other thigamajig I’d buy again is the Original Body Stick. Unfortunately you can’t find these laying around in the forest. The Body Stick offers a kinder, gentler neck massage than the Theracane. Not to say it can’t hurt like H-E-2*L if you’re sore. The Body Stick is simple, and portable, and you can use it standing up, or sitting down to massage neck, back, arms and legs.
Which brings me to all those other whatchamadoozies. It’s not that I don’t use them. Well, the ones that require another person really don’t get used, but I do use the other self-massage doohitchies. The problem is, 85% of the time it’s either not convenient, or I just don’t feel like rolling around on the floor. While body weight inflicted torture is unique and works well for some areas; i.e. piriformis, the strength and contortion required usually make the floor models less relaxing.
So what’s number (maybe) three you ask? Don’t get too excited. It’s the Travel Stick. Nice if you need a shorter version to fit in a smaller suitcase, but generally the length is not as good as the Original, and mine has had a funny plastic smell for years that makes it less pleasant to use.
I love Cath’s comments of not having to roll around on the floor and not having to use your body weight to get results. The Stick is 100% controlled by the user! You apply as much pressure as you like in any position. If you are out my way in Alberta, Canada, you should look me up @ The Stick.ca.
During the Edmonton Marathon, I met two high end speed skaters! The first was a young up and comer who has been training at the Olympic Oval in Calgary, Alberta. Her family has been involved in speed skating for quite a number of years. Her dad happens to be a coach as well. They ended up picking up a Sprinter Stick.
This made sense to me because speed skaters have large, dense muscles. The Sprinter Stick was the perfect stick for her because it is stiff and short enough to fit it into her training bag.
The other speed skater I met was Crystal Phillips. 
If her name sounds familiar it is because she is competing against the very best in the world. Crystal is a Canadian speed skater who is not only training for Canada, but she also has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I did not know that she was dealing with MS until I met her for coffee. She is a remarkable young women. Here is a little exert from an article written about her efforts with the MS Bike Tour a couple of years ago:
“After successfully organizing a team for the MS Bike Tour for the first time last year, Crystal Phillips is looking forward to making this year’s team an even bigger success. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis herself only a little over a year ago, the 21-year-old speed skater is determined to not let the disease get her down and hopes this Bike Tour, which is a two-day 180-km trip from Airdrie to Olds and back, will help build more awareness of MS and will help raise as much money as possible for MS research.”
To read the most up to date information on Crystal click the title - Canadian speed skaters support upcoming MS Bike Tour
Crystal is still team captain for her team called ‘Team Tazza’ for the MS Bike Tour.
Interestingly enough, she stopped by my booth and said she uses The Stick all the time. She told me she mainly uses it for warm-up. Being that she is an amazing athlete, I assumed she would be using the Sprinter Stick as well. I was wrong.
Crystal showed up the next day to compete in her race and she again stopped by my booth and showed her Travel Stick. I was shocked to hear that she only uses the Travel Stick. I though for sure she would be using a stiffer stick like the Sprinter Stick, Body Stick or even the Stiff Stick. She explained to me that she and other speed skaters love to use the stick to warm-up and stimulate their muscles before they trained or raced. So, the Travel Stick was perfect for the job. She was not looking to do any deep soft tissue release because she would see a therapist for that.
I think this makes a lot of sense for a person in her position. She has access to physiotherapists and massage therapists, so she uses The Stick as a warm-up tool. I suggested she she also use it as a cool-down tool and a tool for soft tissue work in between visits to her therapists.
Crystal is a great example of how speed skaters or other athletes can use The Stick!
Go Crystal Go.
I should also mention that Crystal is part of Clean Air Champions where their mission is to improve air quality by working with respected athletes to motivate and educate Canadians to adopt practices and lifestyles that enhance both environmental and personal health.
Fantastic site to visit!
I can’t help but post “Joe Biker’s” explanation why he is addicted to using The Stick. He is simply hilarious!!!!
Here is the first paragraph: (his analogies are brilliant)
Joe Biker finishes his post with:
Check out the entire post here – http://thebestbikeblogever.blogspot.com/2009/05/addicted-to-massage-stick-torture.html
The Ironman is for sure an amazing accomplishment for any athlete. There are those athletes out there that compete in Ironmans around the world. Some do them back to back with very little recovery time.
There are many ways to recover after strenuous activity. I would like to bring your attention to the following suggestions:
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE RACE :
THE DAY AFTER…
These suggestions should help you feel better the next couple of days following an extreme event such as an Ironman. Truthfully, the above suggestions would help anyone recover after any strenuous activity. The above information can be expanded on by going to the source where I found the information. It is called xtri.com. The article was written by Chuckie V for an athlete that he coached who competed in 2 Ironmans 35days apart. Chuckie goes into great detail and also discusses what to do the over the following 2 weeks after an Ironman. The article is called Post Ironman Recovery.
What caught my eye was the advice given about not eating fats after the race, using compression and gentle massage. Not eating fats can be easily done. Finding compression shorts and other clothing is easy as well. Compression clothing is in a lot of the literature out right now. There are compression suites, socks, shorts etc. The gentle massage can be achieved by going to somebody, having a friend massage you or massaging yourself.
This is where The Stick comes in. When you use The Stick as a massage tool, you control the intensity 100%. As you roll over your muscles, you are able to go as light or as heavy as you like. The other beautiful thing is, you don’t need to leave your house, hotel or anywhere you are staying. You do not need any special equipment, like a mat or gloves or electricity. You can simply just sit, stand, lie or kneel and roll out your muscles!
Original Body Stick
Couldn’t be happier.
Practical and Effective (2009-03-28)
I cycle 4 times a week, for at least 2 hours each time. My leg muscles, particularly the hamstrings, get very tight and often sore. “The Stick” has been very effective at loosening up the tightness and reducing soreness. It’s a simple gadjet, easy to use, and easier than using my fingers for massage. I use it every day, often more than one session. I can feel the difference when I cycle, much less stiffness and pain.
Best Pain You’ll Ever Love! Get one! (2009-03-05)
I recently started training for my first marathon, and I learned immediately about “the stick.” Apparently, I was one of the few that DIDN’T know about this amazing product. Most people write “love” on one side and “hate” on the other side of the stick. The stick definitely gives you a chance to dig in a massage any muscle, bringing blood flow back to the muscle to heal it. It really is so nice to get a massage after running.
Just an FYI, the yellow handle stick is great for those beginning out in the sport. It’s a little more flexible and the length a tad bit longer than some of the professional lengths. I highly recommend it!
handy gadget! (2009-02-17)
i like this self-massager because it is portable and easy to use. It is perfect for those of us whose muscles are usually tender and need just light massage to benefit.
also great for swimmers (2009-01-09)
I am a college swimmer, and my coach has a few of these on deck that are available for use post-practice. The stick is great for working out leg cramps, but I also use it on my shoulders, neck, and back. I find that this particular model of the stick is the best match for massaging body parts other than my legs (esp. shoulders) due to its flexibility. This is a great buy for any athlete.
For more testimonials from people I have met go here.
